Gov. Gregoire appoints Beth Andrus to King County Superior Court

For Immediate Release: July 8, 2010

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today announced that she will appoint Beth Andrus to the King County Superior Court. Andrus is currently an attorney at Skellenger Bender in Seattle, and will replace Judge Paris Kallas, who steps down from the bench tomorrow.

�Beth not only brings to the court a strong legal background, but also a deep appreciation for dignity and respect � attributes that are necessary to be an outstanding judge,� Gregoire said. �I am confident she will continue the King County Superior Court�s tradition of providing fairness to those who stand before it.�

�When Judge Kallas decided to leave the bench, the legal community knew her shoes would be difficult to fill,� said Andrus. �It is an honor and a challenge that Governor Gregoire has chosen me to replace Judge Kallas, who is so respected for her dedication to justice and fairness. I thank Governor Gregoire for the opportunity and privilege to serve the people of King County.�

Andrus joined Skellenger Bender in 1995, where her primary area of practice is construction litigation. She represents architectural and engineering firms and has handled complex cases involving design defects, construction management, and professional liability for design professionals and engineers. Before working at Skellenger Bender, Andrus was an attorney at Miller Nash and Schweppe Krug & Tausend, and had served as a law clerk to Judge Gerald Heaney in the US Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit from 1988 to 1989.

Andrus has gained extensive trial experience in state and federal courts, and has significant appellate experience

�Beth Andrus is a superb trial lawyer who understands the dynamics of the courtroom and has a wonderful way with both people and the law,� said Federal District Court Chief Judge Robert S. Lasnik. �The governor could not have made a better selection."

Andrus served on the ACLU Board of Directors from 1992- 2005, including as president her last five years. Between 1990 and 1995 she was a volunteer for the King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics.

Andrus attended Wayne State University in Michigan before earning a law degree from the University of Minnesota.